Automatic resetting spear



Deg. 16, 1930. w. .J. MILLER 1,785,590

AUTOMATIC RESETTING SPEAR Filed March 1. 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l gwwwutoz kl. c/I/Vz'llef Dec. 16, 1930. w. J. MILLER 1,785,590

AUTOMATIC RESETTING SPEAK Filed March 1, 1950 2 Sheets-Shae! 2 Patented Dec. "16, 1930 .WILLIAM J. ILLER, or surrnun, LOUISIANA AUTOMATIC RESETTING srEAn Application filed March 1, 1930. Serial No. 432,546;

I 10 .jar the pipe free in order to effect the desired pull.- V v p The invention consists in the'details of construction' and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts or my 1mproved automatic resetting spear whereby v certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention'will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In orderthat my invention may be the better'understood, I will now proceed to describe the same'withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view' partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating a spear constructed in accordance with an embodimentof my invention with the parts in pulling relation;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-8'of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view partly in'section and partly in elevation showing the parts in their relative positions at the time of the first jarring action; 40 Figure 5 is also a view partly in section and partly in elevation showingthe parts in position for release; a

Figure 6 is 'a view in top plan of a collar constructed in accordancewith a further embodimentofmy invention; Figure7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through the collar as illustrated in Fig ure 6 and the adjacent portion of the associated sleeve. As particularly illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 of theaccompanying drawings, 1 denotes the lower portion of a drill stem which has threaded therein the upper portion of an elongated tubular shank 2. Disposed radially through this shank 2 at a desired point therealong is a key 3. The extremities of this key 3 extend beyond the shank 2 at opposite sides thereof and each of these extend ed portions of the key 8 is normally positioned within a pulling slot 4 provided in the wall and extending lengthwise of the release sleeve :5. The upper or outer portion of the sleeve 5 is adapted to have th'readedtherearound a collar 6 for a purpose to be hereinaiterv more particularly referred to, the co-. acting threads being left hand. I The inner or insertedend portion of the sleeve 5 has in threaded connection therewith a slip sleeve 7 the lower portion of which being provided with a series of circumferential 7.0 lyand equidistantly spaced open slots 8 resulting in a plurality of elongated gripping arms 9 carrying the exterior and upwardly disposed fgripping,teeth 10. The portion of the slip sleeve 7 defined bythe outer or free end portions of the arms 9 has its bore tapered for coaction'with the'tapered mandrel 11 so that relative movement of the slip sleeve 7 andthe mandrel 11 one toward the other will resuit in desired effective expansion of the lower portion of the sleeve 7, or more particularly those portions ofthe arms 9v carrying the teeth 10. 1

It is believed to be obvious that the arms 9s-possess sufiicient inherent resiliency to automatically eifect retraction of the arms 9 upon relative movement of the sleeve 7 and mandrel 11 in the opposite direction.

The mandrel 11 has its upper portion snugly and slidably engaged with the lower portion of the inner or inserted shank section Qawhich threads within the main shank 2, the inner end of the main shank being, however, of a greater diameter than the diameter of the shank section 2a to provide an annular shoulder 12 surrounding the shank section 2a and arranged and provided for impact upon the upper or smaller end of the mandrel 11.

The lower end of the shank section 2a is enlarged to provide a head 14 freely movable m0 within the enlarged portion of the bore of the mandrel, said enlarged portion 15 result:

ing in an internal shoulder 16 within the mandrel 11 for contact with the head ll to limit the'relative outward movement of the shank section 2a and mandrel 11.

7 suitable tool, may be employed.

The shank section 2a between the head thereof and the shoulder 12 together with the.

wall of the smaller bore of the mandrel 11. are

provided with interfitting splines 19 which freely perniit relative movement of the shank section at and the mandrel 11 in a direction lengthwise of the shank section 2a, but connec't such parts together for unitary rotation which is of advantage when it is desired to rotate the 'reamer'l7 to cut the spearway in the pipe P in the event the pipe is damaged at the entering point.

It is to be particularly noted that the inner end of the applied'guide reamer 17 is of a diameter greater than that of the adjacent portion of themandrel 11. This results in the provision of a'shoulder 20 surrounding the mandrel 11, said shoulder 20 serving to stop the travel of the slip sleeve 7 by contact withthe free extremities of the arms 9 in'the eventftwo or more pieces of'pip'e are pulled free and thus prevent undue expansion of the arms 9.

The upper or coupled'end of the slip'sleeve 7 is also of a diametergreater than the ad acent portion ofthe release sleeve 5 to provide a shoulder 21 surrounding the sleeve '5 for butting contact with an outer guard sleeve 22 surrounding the release sleeve 5-and which i is tightened up against the external surrounding shoulder 23 carried by the upper portion of the sleeve 5 at a point immediatelyadja cent to the applied collar 6.

i The lower portionof each of the pulling slots 4' is transversely enlarged, as at 24, to one side thereof to provide an upper shoulder 25, the lower edge wall of said enlarged portion 24 below the shoulder 25 being disposed, as at ,26, on a downward incline to the lower end of the slot 4. The extremities of the key 3' are normally within the pulling slots, 4 above the enlarged portions 24 thereof.

When it is desired'to effect a release the shank 2 is permitted to drop until the shoulder 12 strikes'the upper end of the mandrel 11 and atwhich time the head 14 of the shank section 2a will strike the guide reamer 17. The resultant jarring action or impact will result in the desired relative movement of the mandrel 11Vwithj respect to the sleeve 7 in a direction to permit the outer or gripping end portions of the arms 9 to retract. After this impact orjar the continued downwardmove collar 6, is in contact with the adjacent end of'the pipeP.

T his second jar or ment of the shank 2 will permit the shoulder 27 afforded by the lower end ofthe stem 1 to.

impact will? set up suflicientvibration in the pipe P to assure compiete disengagementofthe teeth 10 of the "arms '9 from" thefpip'e P. The shank 2 is ,then rotated in tlllGCiZlOll tobrmg the extended portions of the key 3 below the shoulders25i son-that upon upward pull on the shank 2 the device may be readily removed from within the pipe P. Y rom this position of release all that is required to reset for anotherpull is to lower the shank 2 and the contact of theentendeden tremities of the key 3 with'theinclined wall edges 26 will automatically shift the shank to tlieleft and return said 6XtCDCl6ClGXt-181Il1- ties of the-key 3 within the pulling slots l so that as'strain is imposed upon the shank 2,,

the mandrel 11 will be caused to operate to effect the ClQSllQCl'GXPHHSIOILOT the arms 9 to bring the teeth 1Q thereof into properfgrip ping'engagement with the pipe 1?. Themain advan of this resetting spear is in theeventtwo or more pieces are pulled at the 'same'time as the spear is always set 'forthe,

pull.

The bottom" or lower section as of the shank cannotbe rotated when the mandrel 1'1 and slip sleeve 7 are tight, as when pulling, which will. be a safety feature in preventing the key being placed in releasing position as a heavy pulling in thispositiojn will damage the key or the shoulders 25 when the SllP sleeve and mandrelare set tight. It is, there fore, necessary 'tog'ar' the mandrel 11 free before'the spear can'be set for'releasing.

The jarring blow or impact delivered by theshoulder12 and the head 14 releases the mandrel 11 while the jar or impact delivered by the shoulder 27 upon the upper end of the release sleeve 5 and collar 6will assure the positive releaseof the'teeth 10 from the pipe P. rhis collar 6 is coupled to the sleeve 5 by left hand threads so that when the spear isrotating as is'required in making up the drill stem, in going into the hole the collarti will always tighten instead of being liable'to back off. The collar 0 also serves to advantage as a stopito allow th release sleeve 5 to enter the pipe only to'the stop shoulder if,

fishing for a short piece. The collar 6, how- 7 ever, can be removed whendes'iredto use the spear for pulling two or more pieces that have been cut in sections with cutting-tool,- lthen-removing the collar 6 to fish for pipe as just stated it will be necessary to uncouple the shank 2 from the stem 1 and apply-a connection that will readily enter the-pipe The release sleeve 5' has associated therefrom effective position and also to keep rock and kindred foreign matter from lodging within the'slots 4 and thus probably interfere with the desired operation of the key 3. This guard sleeve 22 also serves to strengthen or reinforce therelease sleeve 5 and prevent it from spreading out. 1 7

It isto be'noted that one of the jarring impacts or blows occurs within the mandrel 11'. This is of advantage as it permits coniderable shortening of the spear and reduces the weight thereof and also cheapens the cost "of 'inanufacture,

- 2 or'shank section 2a to be rotated sutliciently to the right to place the extremities of the key 3 in release position as indicated Figure 5. When it is desired to remove the re= lease sleeve all that is necessary to do is to back off the lowershank section 2a which can be readily accomplished by placing tongs on the lower end of mandrel 11 and guide reamer or other tool 17.

. The spline fit of the mandrel 11 on the shank section 2a will assure the section 2a backing oil of theupper or main shank 2 whereupon the slip sleeve 7 can be readily removed. The key 3 will hold the release sleeve 5 from turning when tongs are placed on the slip sleeve 7. I

Iln the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the collar 6' is solid with the sleeve 5' and at diametrically opposed points or otherwise as desired the collar 6 is provided with notches or recesses 28 in the peripheral wall thereof to allow pump circulation when the collar 6 is resting upon the pipe or fish to be pulled, Similar notches may also be provided in a collar detachably engaged with the sleeve.

The solid collar 6 as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 is also particularly intended to be used in connection with the spear for pulling one piece only. It is also to be understood that the threaded collar 6 is to be removed in case it is desired to pull more than one piece at a time and under which conditions the drill stem 1 must be of a diameter to readily enter the pipe P in order to permit use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modifica tion without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim 1. An automatic resetting spear comprising an elongated shank, a tapered mandrel carried by and surrounding the lower portion of the shank, a slip sleeve surrounding the shank and having its lower end portion provided with gripping arms, the tapered mandrel engaging said gripping arms from within, said slip sleeve having a slot disposed along the upper portion thereof, said slot having its lower portion transversely enlarged in one direction, the lower portion of the edge wall of the slot opposed to the en larged portion being inclined toward the lower end of the slot, said inclined wall beentirely to one side of the slot, said shank having a part working in the slot of the sleeve.

2. An automatic resetting spear comprising an elongated shank, a tapered mandrel carried by and surrounding the lower portion of the shank, said mandrel and shank being movable one with respect to the other in a direction lengthwise of the shank, the lower end of the shank upon dropping of the shank imposing a jarring impact upon the mandrel, a slip sleeve surrounding the shank and having its lower end portion provided with gripping arms, the mandrel engaging said gripping arms from within, the slip sleeve having a slot disposed along the upper portion thereof, said slot having its lower portion transversely enlarged in one direction, the lower portion of the edge wall of the slot opposed to the enlar ed port-ion being inclined toward the lower end of the slot, said inclined wall being entirely to one side of the slot, said shank having a part working in the slot of the sleeve.

3. An automatic resetting spear comprising an elongated shank, a tapered mandrel carried by and surrounding the lower portion of the shank, said mandrel and shank being movable one with respect to the other in a direction lengthwise of the shank, the lower end of the shank upon dropping of the shank imposing a jarring impact upon the mandrel,

aslip sleeve surrounding the shank and hav- I ing its lower end portion provided with gripping arms, the mandrel engaging said gripping arms from within, the slip sleevehaving a slot disposed along the upper portion thereof, said slot having its lower portion transversely enlarged in one direction, the

lower portion of the edge wall of the slot opposed to the enlarged portion being inclined toward the lower end of the slot, said 111- clined wall being entirely to one side of the slot, said shank having apart working in provided with gripping arms, the tapered mandrel engaging said gripping arms from within, the slip sleeve having a slot disposed along the upper portion thereof, said'slot having its lower portion transversely en larged in one direction, the lower portion of the edge wall of the slot'opposed to the enlarged portion being inclined toward the lower end of the slot, said inclined wall being entirely to one side of the slot, said shank having a part working in the slot of the sleeve, and coa-cting means carried by the shank and the slip sleeve for vibrating the pipe in which the spear is inserted after jarring of the mandrel.

" 5. Anautomatic resetting spear comprising an elongated shank, a tapered mandrel carried by and surrounding the lower portion of the shank, a slip sleeve surrounding the shank and having its lower end portion "'T- provided with gripping arms, the tapered mandrel engaging said gripping arms from within, the slip sleeve having a slot disposed along the upper portion thereof, said slot having its lower portion transversely enlarged in one direction, the lower portion of the edge wall of the slot opposed to the enlarged portion being inclined toward the lower end of the slot, said inclined wall being entirely to one side ofthe slot, said shank having a part working in the slot of the sleeve,

and a'guard sleeve carried by the slip sleeve and housing the portion thereof provided with the slot;

6. An automatic resetting spear compris- 'lf ing an elongated shank, a tapered mandrel carried by and surrounding the lower portion of the shank, a slip sleeve surrounding the shank and having its lower end portion provided with gripping arms, the tapered mandrel engaging said gripping arms from within, the slip sleeve having a slot disposed along the upper portionthereof, said slot having its lower portion transversely enlarged in one direction, the lower portion of the edge wall of the slot opposed to the enlarged portion being inclined toward the lower end of the slot, said inclined wall being entirely to one side of the slot, said shank having a part working in the slot of the sleeve, and a collar i carried by the. upper portion of the slip provided with gripping arms, the tapered mandrel engaging said gripping arms from within, the slip sleeve having a slot disposed along the upper portion thereof, said slot having its lower portion transversely enlarged in one direction, the lower portion of.

the edge wall of the slot opposed to the enlarged portion being inclined toward the lower end of the slot, said inclined wall being entirely to one side of the slot, said shank having a part working in the slot .of the sleeve, and a tool engaged with the lower portion of the mandrel and providing an outstanding shoulder surrounding the man- 1 drel for coact1on with the shp sleeve to limlt the extent of movement of the mandrel and slip sleeve one toward the other.

8. An automatic resetting spear comprising an elongated shank, a tubular mandrel, said shank having a portion extending within the mandrel, the inner portion of the bore of the mandrel being enlarged, the extremity of the shank within the mandrel carrying a head, the portion of the shank extending within the mandrel and the outer portion of the wall of the bore of the mandrel interlooking to permit the shank and mandrel to rotate in unison and allowing the mandrel and shank to have relative movement lengthwise of the shank, a slip sleeve surrounding the shank and having its lower end portion provided with grippingarms, the mandrel engaging said gripping arms from within.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature.

WILLIAM J. MILLER. 

